Sophia Hutchins, Caitlyn Jenner’s longtime friend and manager, dies at 29 in Malibu ATV accident

MALIBU, CALIFORNIA: Sophia Hutchins, a prominent figure in Caitlyn Jenner’s life and career, has died at the age of 29 following a tragic ATV accident near Jenner’s Malibu home.

Known for her close friendship and professional partnership with Jenner, Hutchins played a significant role in the Olympian's post-transition life, managing her brand and business ventures while also advocating for LGBTQ+ visibility.

Sophia Hutchins dies in tragic ATV crash near Caitlyn Jenner’s Malibu home

According to law enforcement and family sources, Sophia Hutchins died on the morning of Wednesday, July 2, while riding an all-terrain vehicle on a winding stretch of road near Jenner’s Malibu property, per The Mirror.

She reportedly struck the bumper of a moving car that had two passengers onboard. The collision caused the ATV to veer off the road and plummet about 350 feet down into a steep ravine.

Emergency services were dispatched immediately, but they pronounced Hutchins dead at the scene. Neither of the individuals in the car was injured.

It remains unclear whether Jenner, 75, was at home during the incident or witnessed the crash.

Sophia Hutchins and Caitlyn Jenner’s unique bond, from friendship to business partnership

Sophia Hutchins and Caitlyn Jenner met in 2015, shortly after Jenner publicly came out as transgender. At the time, Hutchins was studying economics and finance at Pepperdine University and undergoing her gender transition.

The two bonded quickly, with Hutchins crediting Jenner as a mentor who encouraged her growth and self-discovery.

“She challenges me in so many ways, has allowed me to grow in so many ways, and I hope I challenge her to grow,” Hutchins said in a 2020 interview. “It’s just a great match, a great partnership.”

While the public frequently speculated about a romantic relationship between the two, Hutchins clarified in multiple interviews that they were never involved romantically. “There’s no hanky panky,” she once quipped, emphasizing their purely platonic but deeply supportive dynamic.

Sophia Hutchins built legacy as Caitlyn Jenner’s manager, entrepreneur and conservative LGBTQ+ voice before fatal crash

In 2017, Sophia Hutchins moved into Caitlyn Jenner’s $3.5 million Malibu estate and gradually took over the management of Jenner’s career. She was instrumental in steering Jenner’s public appearances, brand partnerships, and media strategy, effectively succeeding Kris Jenner in the role of business overseer.

She served as the CEO and executive director of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation, which supports transgender rights and community initiatives. Hutchins also founded LUMASOL, a health-tech skincare company focused on UV protection.

Politically outspoken, Hutchins became increasingly aligned with conservative politics, particularly during the Trump administration. In 2023, she posted a widely circulated photo of herself with Donald Trump, writing, “The energy, passion, and commitment for our movement to Save America has never been greater!”

Despite the polarizing political stance, Hutchins maintained ties within LGBTQ+ advocacy spaces and remained a recognized face at celebrity and political events.

Hutchins’ last public outing with Jenner occurred in April 2024, when the two attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC. Over the years, she also maintained visibility within the Kardashian-Jenner inner circle, attending Kylie Jenner’s 21st birthday bash and appearing on the E! reality docuseries 'I Am Cait', which chronicled Jenner’s transition and early post-transition experiences.

News of her passing has sent shockwaves through both entertainment and LGBTQ+ communities, with tributes pouring in for the young entrepreneur, advocate, and manager whose life was cut tragically short.